It was a beautiful, sunny day in the peaceful Italian village. The view of the blue-green water of Lake Albano was eye-candy for all who visited. But Ivan focused on one site—the third-floor balcony of Castel Gandolfo—summer home to the Pope. He focused the scope of his powerful sniper rifle on the balcony window—nothing in sight. There was a slight breeze, and he adjusted his rifle to compensate. If successful, this shot would bring home the biggest paycheck of his career.
The third floor of the apartment building on the Corso Della Republico housed several units. Ivan lived in a two-bedroom suite with one bedroom serving as a small command center. The second bedroom housed computer workstations and sophisticated electronics for eavesdropping. Ivan made sure no message entered or left the small village without his knowledge.
To maintain his cover, Ivan worked as the cafe’s general manager on the first floor. It opened at five in the afternoon and closed at two in the morning. The schedule suited him well, allowing him to get to know his neighbors while gathering intelligence about the local political scene.
The tall, dark-haired woman was considered one of the most beautiful people in the world. People magazine proclaimed that fact at least three times. As a child actress raised in Hollywood, Angelica Bonham won several acting awards before launching her solo music career at the age of fifteen. With a light and distinctive voice, her pop album sold millions of records. She went on to star in situation comedies on the Disney Channel. Then, at eighteen, she had an affair with a movie executive twice her age. While the scandal ended his career, Angelica rode the wave of tabloid news to fame. As an adult, she starred in several action blockbusters, becoming one of Hollywood’s most sought-after and highest-paid actresses. Once again, Angelica gained notoriety for a steamy relationship with one of the hottest leading men until a nasty drug problem derailed her career and forced her to escape to private life. Now she had a new mentor. One that had no cares about fame and wealth, only retribution.
In the street below Ivan’s apartment, Angelica browsed the designer storefronts wearing a large sun hat and dark Gucci sunglasses. She kept her face hidden as she listened in on a conversation at a local cafe. Her targets were two uniformed police officers and a plainclothes detective.
The detective spoke first, “I heard the Holy See would be making a series of clandestine visits to our village. He is working with senior officials on a more liberal direction for the church. However, the Vatican wants to maintain secrecy until the final draft is complete. Therefore, we will need all uniformed officers to be extra-vigilant to secure his safety. Do you understand?”
“Yes,” one of the officers replied. “How will we know he is coming?”
“The local pastor, Father Cavatelli, will let us know. He is in communication with the Swiss Guard and the Vatican travel office.”
“Very good. We will do everything we can to keep our Holy Father safe.”
Angelica smiled and walked away.
Ivan observed movement behind the balcony window. This could be the chance he had been waiting for. Ivan opened the window enough to allow the barrel of the rifle to protrude between the wood shutters. He picked this location because it was one story higher than the adjacent building. His spot offered a clear view of the balcony without being exposed to security personnel in the piazza below. Ivan lay prone on top of his wooden dining table, released the trigger, and chambered the round.
The window began to open. Ivan took a deep breath and blew it out through his nose. The doors pulled open a bit further. Ivan closed his left eye to help him see better through the scope. A person wearing black opened the window. It could be one of the guards or servants since the target would never open the door himself. Ivan turned on his laser designator, and a small red dot appeared on the person’s forehead. He pressed his finger against the trigger. The guard stepped onto the balcony and waved at a few tourists. He scanned the cafes, shops, and buildings along the perimeter of the piazza. Ivan knew to stay still and patient. The guard was not his target. But if the guard spotted him, he would fire to prevent himself from being discovered and invoke his escape plan. The man continued scanning and waving, but luckily, he never looked directly at Ivan. He turned and stepped inside, leaving the doors open.
Ivan waited. Would his target step out on the balcony? He often traveled to Gandolfo at night to spend a private weekend away from the Vatican. His public holiday would not happen for several months in July. But this Pope liked visiting Gandolfo, unlike his predecessor, who preferred staying in Rome. Ivan watched as another person stepped onto the balcony. This one wore a white robe, a white skull cap, and a large gold chain and cross. Ivan’s red dot fit cleanly behind his target’s eyes. He blew out his breath and began to apply pressure to the trigger. The young priest, a local pastor, waved his hands to the audience below. Ivan relaxed and lifted his finger off the trigger. Ivan was shocked to see the priest, Father Cavatelli, look at him and smile, then stepped back off the patio. Ivan smiled, too. The priest provided intelligence for an extra weekly offering and received a donation to an offshore bank account. Ivan pulled the rifle out of the window and closed the shutters.
There was a knock at the door. Ivan stowed the rifle and mattress in a closet. He moved the table back to the middle of the dining room and returned the chairs to their proper place. The knock repeated.
“One moment, please,” he said in Italian. “I am coming.”
He opened the door to see Angelica’s radiant smile. He embraced her as they kissed. The scent of her perfume and the touch of her lips sent a wave of pleasure through his body.
“I’m glad I can get your attention, Ivan,” Angelica whispered into his ear. “I have some good news. Do you still have time for a little afternoon pleasure before the cafe opens?”
“Always, my dear,” Ivan replied as he pulled her inside and closed the door.